Indonesia is initiating an ambitious plan to convert toll roads into emergency runways for its fighter jets, effectively transforming its extensive highway network into a form of mobile airbase. The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Marshal Tonny Harjono, announced on Wednesday that he envisions each of the country’s 39 provinces having at least one section of toll road designated for this purpose. While no specific timeline has been provided, the plan aims to enhance national defense capabilities.
In a demonstration held in Lampung province, located on the southern tip of Sumatra, an Indonesian Air Force F-16 fighter jet and a Super Tucano attack plane successfully landed and took off from a toll road. Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto described this achievement as a significant milestone in bolstering Indonesia’s defense infrastructure.
The concept of utilizing highways for military landings is not unique to Indonesia. Countries such as the United States, Finland, and Sweden have previously implemented similar strategies. The U.S. military, in particular, is exploring dispersing its air assets across numerous Pacific islands to enhance operational resilience against potential threats, particularly in the context of tensions with China.
Despite Indonesia’s ongoing disputes with China in the South China Sea, officials maintain that the new initiative is not aimed at any specific nation. “The use of toll roads as situational alternative runways is expected to strengthen the operational readiness of the Indonesian Air Force in facing various potential threats,” stated an Indonesian Air Force report. This approach is also seen as a cost-effective solution for a country comprised of more than 6,000 islands spread over an east-west distance of approximately 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers).
The financial implications of this strategy are notable. Maintaining an aircraft carrier is an expensive endeavor, with costs often soaring into the billions of dollars. As Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, pointed out, “An aircraft carrier doesn’t seem that attractive as a cost-effective platform.” The flexibility of designating multiple toll roads as emergency runways offers strategic advantages—if one is compromised, others remain functional.
The operational capabilities expected from the toll road project include 3,000-meter-long (almost two miles) sections that can accommodate military aircraft. Although the F-16 and Super Tucano cannot operate from traditional aircraft carriers, they are well-suited to utilize these newly designated runways.
The challenge of landing on narrower toll roads, which are only about 24 meters (79 feet) wide compared to standard airport runways that range from 45 to 60 meters, adds an element of risk. Nevertheless, Harjono emphasized the skill of Indonesian pilots trained for such conditions, highlighting their expertise in managing these unique landing scenarios.
This innovative plan underscores Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing its defense infrastructure while also making efficient use of existing resources. The integration of military operations into civilian infrastructure reflects a broader trend among nations seeking to enhance their military readiness without incurring the high costs associated with traditional military assets.
